Ch 5: Ancient Civilizations in the Near East: Tutoring Solution

1. Mesopotamia: The First Civilization

Mesopotamia is the oldest civilization in the world, and it's located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now Iraq. Explore the general overview of Mesopotamian civilization, agriculture, settlement, and migration.

2. Mesopotamian Kings: History, Politics & Religion

Ancient Mesopotamia was a region without a centralized form of government; instead, several city-states were each governed by their own kings. Explore the history of Mesopotamia, including religious beliefs and anthropomorphic gods, religion's relationship to politics, the building of ziggurats, and famous rulers like Sargon and Hammurabi.

3. Sumer's Protoliterate Period & the Origin of Writing

The Protoliterate period happened from the protohistoric Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age period in the history of Mesopotamia and aided cultural factors like writing. Learn more of the Sumerian development of writing and its origins or historical importance.

4. The Invention of Writing

The invention of writing was and is important for human civilization and history. Discover how writing emerged and the advantages of writing, while taking into consideration the story of Grog's lost discovery.

5. Old Sumerian Period: Wars & Expansion

The Old Sumerian Period was characterized by intermittent phases of peace and conflict for the Sumerian city-states of Mesopotamia. Explore the history of Sumerian civilization, the significance of its succession of kings, its city-states, wars, and periods of expansion.

6. The Fertile Crescent: Cradle of Civilization

The Fertile Crescent covers an area of rich land from the Mediterranean Coast to the Persian Gulf. Explore this region also known as the Cradle of Civilization and how it gave rise to a more permanent and sedentary culture and society that was a departure from a nomadic way of life.

7. Neo-Sumerian Period: Lifestyle, Peace & Prosperity

Unlike other periods in Mesopotamian history, the Neo-Sumerian period brought about peace and scholastic achievement. Discover the impact the Sumerians have had on the world and what makes the Neo-Sumerian period a true renaissance.

8. Heirs of the Sumerians: Babylonians, Hittites, Hurrians and Assyrians

The Sumerian civilization was divided into four groups of people who developed civilizations of their own. Explore the history of the Babylonians, Hittites, Hurrians, and Assyrians, and learn about the forces that led to the Bronze Age Collapse.

9. Assyrian Art and Architecture

The Assyrians were a violent people who took ideas for their art and architecture from the Sumerians. Discover Assyrian art and architecture, their palaces, carvings, cylinder seals, and Ziggurats.

10. Hammurabi's Code: The Advent of Law, Prerequisites and Implications

Hammurabi's Code contains an organized and detailed set of 282 laws written thousands of years ago by a Babylonian king. Learn about the need for laws, their creation, evolution, and use; as well as their importance and implications on justice systems and societies.

11. The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells of a hero's journey to kill a monster and his quest for the secret to immortality. Discover information about some of the main characters (Gilgamesh and Enkidu), the plot of the story, and the role of dreams in the epic.

12. Ancient Egypt in the Bronze Age

Ancient Egypt was one of the most influential civilizations of the Bronze Age. Explore the benefits of the Nile Valley, discover technological achievements like papyrus and Egyptian stonework, then review the six periods of early Egyptian history and the nation's eventual fall.

13. Ancient Egyptian Art: History and Style

Ancient Egyptian sculpture, painting, and pottery have provided insight into the culture, lifestyle and beliefs of ancient Egyptians for centuries. Learn how Egyptians used these artistic mediums to communicate within this life and the next.

14. Ancient Egyptian Architecture: History, Characteristics & Influences

The ancient Egyptians built elaborate temples and pyramids that continue to impress innumerable tourists and archeologists every year. Learn about the history and characteristics of ancient Egyptian architecture, the Old Kingdom vs. the New Kingdom, the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor, and how religion influenced architecture in ancient Egypt.

15. Iron Age Empires: Neo-Babylonian, Neo-Assyrian and Persian Empires

The Iron Age gave rise to several empires, including the Neo-Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian, and Persian empires. Find out about important characteristics and events of each kingdom and their ascensions to power and contributions to history.

16. What's the Difference Between Polytheism and Monotheism?

Some faiths believe in many deities and are called polytheistic while others believe there is only one God and are described as monotheistic. Learn how to define the root word, theism, or the belief in a higher or divine power, and explore the differences between polytheism and monotheism in contemporary religions.

17. The Hebrews and Their Beliefs

Take a glimpse into the history of the Hebrews and their Jewish beliefs. Explore accounts of demonstratable faith, examples of oppressions faced, and discover how scientific findings shine a light on the unique role of Judaism and its influence on the world today.

18. Iron vs. Bronze: History of Metallurgy

An important transition to the smelting of iron ore more often than bronze occurred around 3,200 years ago, culminating in the collapse of the Bronze Age. Learn more about the history of metallurgy, the differences between iron and bronze and their uses, and the invention of steel.

19. Ancient Persian Art and Architecture: History & Style

During the reign of Cyrus II the Great, Persian art was influenced by a number of different cultures including Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia. Discover the history and style of ancient Persian art and architecture.

20. Zoroastrianism: Definition, Beliefs & History

Major religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all have roots in Zoroastrianism. Explore the history and beliefs of Zoroastrianism, from its founding by Zoroaster, to its influence on other cultures, to its place in the modern world.

21. Cult of Mithras: Myth & History

Mithras was one of the most revered gods in the ancient Persian religion, and Zoroaster was a Persian prophet who created a new religious movement in which Mithras was the god that ruled over Earth. Learn more about the Cult of Mithras from its origins in Persia, to its popularity in Rome from the 2nd through 4th centuries, depictions of Mithras, cult beliefs and practices, and Mithraism's impact on Christianity.

22. Egyptian Pyramids: Definition, Facts & Structure

Egyptian pyramids are a defining hallmark of the culture of ancient Egyptian civilization. Explore the architectural feats of the ancient Egyptians, and discover the three types of pyramids they constructed, including step pyramids, bent pyramids, and true pyramids.

23. Mesopotamia: Culture, Facts & History

Mesopotamia, historically known as the 'Cradle of Civilization,' is located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which includes parts of modern Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. Explore the region of Mesopotamia, the important cultural influences and historical facts of the people who've lived there, and discover the ancient city of Uruk.

24. Akkadian Civilization: Culture, Art & Religion

The period of Akkadian civilization in ancient Sumer started around 2350 B.C. when Sargon came to power through a palace coup. Discover a brief history of the Akkadian Empire, Akkadian culture and artwork, and the Akkadian polytheistic Sumerian religion.

25. Egyptian Social Structure: From Slaves to Pharaoh

The ancient Egyptian social structure resembled their famous pyramids, with slaves at the base and the pharaoh at the peak. Explore each social class and its mobility, including the pharaoh, high government officials, nobles and priests, soldiers and scribes, artisans and merchants, and peasants and slaves.

26. Egyptian Women: Royalty, Privileges & Tradition

In ancient Egypt, women enjoyed rights and privileges equal to those of men. Explore how Egyptian traditions were ahead of their time, discover the legal, economic, and family rights women held, and learn how royal women in Egypt ruled their people.

27. Egyptian Achievements: Unification, Pyramids, Hieroglyphics & Calendar

The ancient Egyptians made staggering innovations in politics, science, writing, and architecture. Explore Egyptian achievements, such as how King Menes unified Egypt, then discover the advances made with pyramids and obelisks, examine hieroglyphics, and learn about the Egyptian calendar.

28. Geography & Natural Resources of Ancient Iran

Ancient Iran possessed a fascinating geography and many valuable natural resources. Dive into a comparison of Persia and Iran, then explore the geography of Iran and an explanation of its natural resources.

29. Kings of the Persian Empire: Cyrus, Cambyses II & Darius I

The First Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was one of the largest in history. In this lesson we'll explore it's first three rulers and see how they impacted world history.